Quick Answer
The answer is the `file show` command. This is the correct operational mode command because it reads the raw contents of a file directly from the Junos filesystem, such as a configuration file stored on the device's hard disk, rather than displaying the active candidate or committed configuration. On the JNCIA-Junos exam, this question tests your understanding of the distinction between viewing configuration data through the CLI’s configuration hierarchy versus accessing stored files on disk; a common trap is confusing `file show` with `show configuration`, which only displays the current running or candidate configuration, not an archived or backup file. Remember that `file show` is for raw file access, while `show configuration` is for the active configuration context. A useful memory tip: think of `file show` as opening a text file on the device’s hard drive, whereas `show configuration` is like reading the live configuration database.
This JNCIA-JUNOS practice question tests your understanding of user interfaces. Examine the command output carefully: the correct answer depends on what the output actually shows, not on general recall alone. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A technician needs to display the contents of a configuration file stored on the device's hard disk. Which operational mode command should they use?
show configuration
Why wrong: show configuration displays the candidate or active configuration, not arbitrary files.
file show
file show displays the contents of a specified file.
file list
Why wrong: file list shows file names, not contents.
view file
Why wrong: This is not a valid Junos command.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
file show
The 'file show' command in Junos operational mode is used to display the contents of a file stored on the device's hard disk, such as a configuration file. Unlike 'show configuration', which displays the active candidate or committed configuration, 'file show' reads the raw file from the filesystem, making it the correct choice for viewing a stored configuration file.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
show configuration
Why it's wrong here
show configuration displays the candidate or active configuration, not arbitrary files.
file show
Why this is correct
file show displays the contents of a specified file.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
file list
Why it's wrong here
file list shows file names, not contents.
view file
Why it's wrong here
This is not a valid Junos command.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often confuse 'show configuration' with viewing a file on disk, but 'show configuration' only shows the configuration from the system's operational database, not the raw file contents stored on the hard disk.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
show configuration displays the candidate or active configuration, not arbitrary files.
Detailed technical explanation
Junos stores configuration files in the /config directory, with filenames like 'juniper.conf.gz' for the committed configuration. The 'file show' command can display plain-text or compressed files, and when used with a path like '/config/juniper.conf.gz', it automatically decompresses and shows the contents. This is useful for troubleshooting when you need to compare the on-disk configuration with the active configuration in memory, especially after a system crash or manual file edits.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A practitioner preparing for the JNCIA-JUNOS exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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FAQ
User Interfaces — This question tests User Interfaces — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: file show — The 'file show' command in Junos operational mode is used to display the contents of a file stored on the device's hard disk, such as a configuration file. Unlike 'show configuration', which displays the active candidate or committed configuration, 'file show' reads the raw file from the filesystem, making it the correct choice for viewing a stored configuration file.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
This JNCIA-JUNOS practice question is part of Courseiva's free Juniper Networks certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the JNCIA-JUNOS exam.
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